5 IT Best Practices Every Dealership Should Implement

A strong IT setup is absolutely necessary to keep your dealership running smoothly. As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to revisit the basic (but important!) IT best practices that keep your systems secure and operations smooth. Here are essential processes every business should implement to stay ahead in the cybersecurity game.

1. Regular System Updates and Vulnerability Management

Keeping your software and systems up to date is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Every update brings new features and fixes for vulnerabilities cybercriminals could exploit. Set up a vulnerability management strategy that includes regular updates for software, firmware, and hardware devices like routers and IoT gadgets. You can even use patch management tools to automate the process, so you don’t have to worry about missing updates.

Just as a well-maintained stronghold keeps invaders at bay, updated systems prevent security breaches. You can schedule automated tools to deploy updates during off-hours so you don’t disrupt daily operations while fortifying your digital defenses.

2. Comprehensive Data Backup and Recovery Plans

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and its loss can be detrimental. Establishing robust backup protocols ensures your dealership can quickly recover from data loss due to cyberattacks, system failures, or natural disasters. Adhere to the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep at least three copies of your data on at least two different media types, with one located offsite. Remember to encrypt all backups to protect sensitive information, especially those stored offsite or in the cloud.

Regularly test your backup systems to ensure they work correctly when needed. Like fire drills prepare you for emergencies, testing your backups ensures you’ll be ready to act quickly if something goes wrong. The goal is to get back on track fast with minimal data loss and downtime.

3. Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access a system, making unauthorized access significantly more challenging. This method is like having multiple locks on your door; even if thieves pick one, they still have more barriers to overcome. Implement MFA across all critical systems, particularly those accessing sensitive data or administrative controls.

Want to make things even easier for your team? Pair MFA with Single Sign-On (SSO) to streamline access while keeping everything secure.

4. Enforce Access Controls and the Principle of Least Privilege

Not everyone in your dealership needs access to all information and systems. Enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring that employees have only the access necessary to perform their job functions. This helps reduce the reach and impact of breaches. By limiting user permissions, you minimize the potential damage from compromised accounts.

5. Implement Network Segmentation

Network segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments or subnetworks. This practice limits the spread of cyber threats within your network, much like compartmentalizing sections of a ship to prevent it from sinking if one area is breached. By segmenting your network, you control the flow of traffic between segments based on strict policies, enhancing security and performance.

Network segmentation can prevent attackers from moving laterally across your network if they gain access, protecting sensitive areas from unauthorized access. It’s an essential component in safeguarding critical data and systems within your dealership.

By following these simple IT best practices, you’re setting up a strong foundation to keep your dealership secure. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process requiring continuous improvement and adaptation to new threats. Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder to keep improving and adapting. Your dealership’s security will thank you!